Inspiration at Bike Futures Launceston

Attendee Suzy Cooper described the typical experience of a first time Bike Futures participant:

"Well, my brain is fizzing after spending the day at the Bike Futures seminar in Launceston today. How inspiring to be in a room full of practical people who spend time thinking of new and creative ways to help humans to move around our cities and towns. I'm glad I made the trip up here".

The seminar was opened by Sarah Courtney, Member for Bass. The series of skilled presenters included:

Luke Middleton, Network Planner Active/Alternative Transport, Dept of State Growth, who explained the State Government's Positive ProvisionPolicy for Cycling Infrastructure. This is an important strategy for walking and cycling to be considered when road projects are being designed.

Mary McParland, Cycling South, who described the important work done by advocates working together to achieve Connectivity and Priority for Cyclists and Pedestrians - through painstaking network planning and works programs.

Randell Stott, Devonport City Council, describing how he has managed Practical Stakeholder Engagement - bringing the community along - in Devonport. Devonport is a small city, but has managed to provide lots of paths for riders.

Stephen Fleming, UTas School of Architecture & Design, on There's a little bit of Holland in every town - you may not be Dutch but you can do Dutch. Stephen's forte is offering a cycle-based vision for cities post the golden age of cars. Transit oriented development is agreed as critical for future transport and urban planning. His twist is to propose cycle-oriented development - infill along cycle ways - brilliant!

On the Friday the exemplary UTas Inveresk Bike Hub was officially opened by the Vice Chancellor of the university. Great credit is due to Corey Peterson, the uni's Sustainable Transport Manager, for making this important facility for students and staff a reality.

The last event was fun - the technical tour - an easy bike ride around the city to check out the current bikepaths and take a look at priority areas for adding to the Launceston bike network.

Many thanks to Bicycle Network for organising the seminar, and the Launceston City Council for their support.